It's not that it plays bad, it's more like the control scheme is set up to allow a ton of actions with as few buttons as possible. Moreover, it adds to the mastery of the game and it plays into strategies for slaying the vast variety of beasts. Think of it as a hardcore investment, a la MMO...
I was in a Wal-mart in Alabama the other day and I found a copy of the Monster Hunter Tri bundle with the classic controller for only $20.00 brand new. It's definitely a YMMV. The website even acknowledges that prices may vary in stores. Still, it's worth looking into just in case. It was...